An in-law suite lets a parent or grown child live with you while keeping their own space. Sun Shore Construction builds in-law suites across Greater Boston, with a bilingual (English / 中文) team that can talk the plan through with the whole family. Plans are drawn by a licensed architect or designer (you are welcome to bring your own); we build to those plans and handle the permitting. Licensed and fully insured; proof available on request.

Three ways to build an in-law suite

• Attached in-law addition — a new bedroom, bathroom, and small living area built onto the house, usually on the ground floor so stairs are not a problem.
• Basement in-law suite — reuses space you already have; it depends on the basement being dry and meeting ceiling-height and egress requirements.
• Garage conversion — turning an attached garage into a living space.

Adding a kitchen? It may count as an ADU

If the space has its own kitchen, full bathroom, and its own entrance, it may count as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Massachusetts law. As of February 2, 2025, Massachusetts allows one ADU by right on most single-family lots. For how the two compare, see ADU and in-law suites; for the law itself, see our Massachusetts ADU law guide.

Planning for a parent

Step-free entry, a walk-in shower with grab bars, wider doorways, and good lighting are worth planning in from the start rather than adding later.

Permits and inspections — we handle them

An addition needs a building permit, and the work is inspected at each stage. We pull the building permit and coordinate inspections with your town. Electrical and plumbing permits are pulled by the licensed electricians and plumbers we hire for your project — and because we manage the whole job, every permit is our responsibility, not yours.

What affects the cost?

We never quote a price sight-unseen. The main factors: which of the three routes you take, whether a kitchen or kitchenette is included, bathroom fixtures, plumbing runs, and heating and cooling. After a site visit we give you a free written estimate, itemized.

FAQ

Can the in-law suite have a kitchen?

It can; with a full kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance it may be treated as an ADU. We check how your town classifies it.

Do you handle the permits?

Yes — see above.

Serving Needham, Newton, Wellesley, Brookline, Dedham, Westwood, Dover, and nearby communities. Call (857) 858-2600 or request a free estimate. 中文服务 / Bilingual team.